Counting down to your move

Some people say that moving house is one of the most stressful things you are ever likely to do. Buying a new home is rarely stress-free, but we can offer you some handy tips to help make things run as smoothly as possible.

In the following section, we have put together some useful suggestions about things that you could be doing in the run-up to your move. Our countdown starts at four weeks and takes you right up to your move-in day.

4 weeks to go...

With 4 weeks to go, it's time to start making plans.

Arranging removals:

If you don't have a lot of furniture to move, or you're working to a budget, you may decide to hire a self drive van. It is worth remembering that it's always a good idea to get estimates from several hire companies. Alternatively, you may wish to persuade your family and friends to help with the move.

Of course, you may prefer to use the services of a professional removal firm, especially if you are undertaking a major relocation or have lots of furniture to move. It is advisable to get a few quotes prior to choosing a firm and to ask friends who have recently moved house if they can recommend anyone.

When you're asking removal firms for a quote, remember to ask if the price includes:

• Packing cases and boxes
• The unpacking of cases and boxes
• Comprehensive insurance against loss or damage

Preparing for a change of address

It's important to let people know you're on the move. Some things you may wish to do this week include:

• Giving notice to your landlord (if you live in rented accommodation).
• Confirming any school transfers.
• Advising your bank, building society and credit card companies that you will soon be changing address.
• Registering with a new doctor and dentist.

3 weeks to go...

To ensure that your move goes as planned, now is the time to consider the following.

Insurance

Make sure your current home contents insurance policy covers your belongings during the move and that it is transferred to your new address.

It should be noted that in flatted developments, Westpoint Homes will appoint a Property Manager* who will arrange for communal buildings insurance.

You've got the power

Let your services and utilities suppliers know you're on the move. The following suppliers will need to be advised of your moving date:

• Cable/Satellite TV
• Electricity
• Gas
• Telephone
• Internet Service Providers

Remember, when we hand over your new home we'll let you know who all your new suppliers are.

Start planning your packing

It may be too soon to start packing, but there are plenty of things you can do in preparation.

Clear out the clutter

Get rid of anything that you no longer use or want. When it comes to clothes, if you've not worn something for a year, you probably never will again. Your local charity shop will be happy to take items that are in good condition. This is the ideal time to clear out cupboards, sheds, garages and attics, all of which are easy to overlook. This could take longer than you expect as you may come across long forgotten and intriguing items.

Boxing clever

If the removal firm don't supply boxes as standard - or if you are undertaking the move without professional assistance - it's time to start collecting boxes in preparation for your big move.

Organisation is the key

Think about what you'll need right away and work out where to pack these items so that they can be easily found during your move. Work out a system for labelling things that allows you to advise the removal firm, or friends and family involved in the move, which boxes go where.

*Definitions can be found in the glossary.

2 weeks to go...

This is when you need to make sure that everyone knows about your move. The following people and companies will need to know your new address and when you are moving.

• Royal Mail
• Your family and friends
• Your employer
• Your Doctor, dentist and optician (if applicable)
• Your Insurance companies
• The Council Tax department
• The DVLA
• Your mobile phone company
• Your gym and any other organisations of which you are a member

There may be other people and organisations that you need to advise about your move, but the above list should be a good starting point.

One week to go...

If you've followed our countdown so far, this is the week when everything should come together as planned. However, there are still a few things to do before you move house.

Final preparations...

• Contact your Solicitor to confirm that everything is on track.
• Confirm arrangements with your removal firm or van hire company.
• Start packing less frequently used items.
• You may want to make arrangements for someone to look after younger children on move-in day so that they are not in the way. Remember that older children canusually be bribed to help with the move!
• It may be a good idea to make alternative arrangements for your pets on move in day.
• Rearrange milk and newspaper deliveries.

Remember also that your Familiarisation Visit will be scheduled to take place this week.

Move-in day

It's move-in day and by now you should be all packed up and ready to go. Before you leave your old home remember to:

• Make a note of the final meter readings and advise your utility companies so that they can send you the final bills.
• If you've not already done so, put together a box or bag containing essential everyday items. Remember, after all that lifting and carrying, you'll have earned a cup of tea, so make sure that the kettle is easy to find!
• Make sure you haven't forgotten anything. It is always a good idea to check the cupboards one last time.
• And remember to keep some tissues handy! No matter how much you're looking forward to moving house, leaving your old home can be an emotional experience.

*Definitions can be found in the glossary.